Mendel University in Brno is introducing additional preventive measures against the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from Hungary and Slovakia. This is in response to new regulations from the State Veterinary Administration regarding extraordinary veterinary measures to protect the territory of the Czech Republic from the introduction of this dangerous disease.

“Access to the campus and teaching at the University Agricultural Enterprise in Žabčice remains restricted. Student teaching and excursions are also prohibited, and third-party access to the Sokolnice game reserve is still banned,” explained Jan Mareš, Rector of Mendel University in Brno. These restrictions are based on the current Rector’s Decree, which also includes a ban on employee business trips and student internships or study visits to Hungary and Slovakia.

A potential outbreak would have serious impacts on the operation of the enterprise and the health of all animals. There are 1,400 cattle in Žabčice, the majority of which are dairy cows, including a unique collection of beef cattle breeds. “Given the educational focus of the enterprise and the high frequency of people regularly present at the Agricultural Enterprise, we are adopting preventive measures to minimize risks. Although humans are not affected by foot-and-mouth disease, they can contribute to the spread of the virus that causes it,” said Leoš Pavlata, Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at MENDELU.

As part of its protective measures against the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease, the university already restricted access and teaching at the University Agricultural Enterprise in Žabčice and at the Sokolnice game reserve of the Masaryk Forest School Enterprise in Křtiny in March.

More information is available at https://pravni.mendelu.cz/36387-slak.